Greece

Both Greece and Israel count on U.S. military aid. Both no longer are so dependent on unstable Arab countries for imported gas and oil. Greece is, of course, walking a tightrope. By balancing between rivals and finding new friendly interests, Greece magnifies its own importance. As it does, it also becomes an even greater focal point of big-power rivalries and global commercial jostling. We should not be too surprised by Greek realpolitik. After all, Greece gave the world Themistocles, the fifth-century B.C. wheeler-dealer politician and general who increased ancient Athenian power by being interested in everyone — and permanently allied to no one.

No one seriously expects the Dutch, Italians, or Spanish to provide permanent garrisons for Poland. The Germans, who publicly oppose the idea, won’t be coming. Only Britain and France are realistic candidates, and both only reluctantly halted further cuts in their military budget. Which leaves only you-know-who.

DHS has ramped up security at federal buildings across the country to prepare for potential Greece-like riots this Friday. Cuts in food stamps go into effect on Nov. 1, and the gov't is truly concerned about violence from citizens “whose entitlements are threatened.”